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CONCERNS have been raised about dog walkers not disposing of their pet’s mess responsibly.

Dog owner Richard Jones, along with Graham Smith from the Gosport and Lee Litteraction group, ward councillor John Beavis and head of Streetscene Stevyn Ricketts, is trying to raise awareness of people who pick up their dog mess in bags and then leave the bags in bushes.

The group met to discuss the problem which occurs near Browndown, in Lee-on-the-Solent.

Mr Jones said: ‘The whole thing started when I was walking my dog near Browndown and saw a lady pick up her dog’s mess but then tie the bag to a bush.

‘In her mind, it made it easy for the council to spot so they could clean it up.’

Since then, Richard has seen several more bags left discarded in bushes and near trees rather than placed in the designated bins.

Mr Smith added: ‘Gosport Borough Council has placed bins at every entrance and exit of Browndown.

‘What more can they do? They are clearly posted with bright yellow signs and there are more than enough of them.’

The group is hoping to raise awareness of the issue because plastic bags are not biodegradable.

Ward councillor for Lee west, Councillor Beavis said it is only a small minority ruining it for everyone else.

He said: ‘The majority of dog walkers are very good and pick up the mess and dispose of it in the bins.

‘What we are concerned about are the irresponsible dog owners. There are numerous bins around the area so there really is no excuse.’

Although Lee-on-the-Solent was the initial concern, the group are also looking to tackle the problem throughout Gosport.

Mr Jones added: ‘You get the same issue in Alver Valley, Elson and Stokes Bay.

‘We just want to make people aware and maybe apply some peer pressure to get them to stop.’

The council’s Streetscene enforcement team have been out to keep watch.

Mr Ricketts said: ‘We have got an enforcement team which ensures people pick up the mess and dispose of it.

‘If they see someone not doing this, they can give them a fixed penalty notice of £75.’

Anyone who sees a dog-walker not dispose of mess correctly on a regular basis is asked to contact the Streetscene team on 08000 198 598.